NETBALL
Hawkesbury City Netball Association has shown that tradition in sport is still very much alive and well.
About 700 netballers from ages six to 60 took part in the association’s 48th annual march past and opening ceremony on Saturday.
The courts at South Windsor were a sea of balloons, banners and smiling faces as teams proudly paraded their colours in front of an enthusiastic crowd of family, friends and guests.
The annual march past, usually held in conjunction with the first round of the season, was postponed this year due to the state election.
Players then had two weeks off with Easter and the school holidays – pushing the march past back to late May.
Tracy Chalk, now in her eighth year as association president, said the event had again been a success as it neared its half century.
“It is a wonderful tradition for Hawkesbury. The teams still march and the band still plays,” she said.
“It is a wonderful milestone for our year ahead.
“It is a very proud moment, especially for the little ones.
“Usually it’s their first time in their uniforms and it’s a great opportunity for them to demonstrate their pride.”
Chalk said the association was proud to have a number of special guests in attendance including MPs Louise Markus, Dominic Perrottet and Prue Carr, councillors Mike Creed and Christine Paine and Windsor RSL president Col Wilson.
“It all went very well,” she said.
“There was lots of involvement from the clubs to welcome in the season.
“We had all our life members past and present and a lot of guests as well. We like to entertain our elected members and show them how proud we are of what we do.”
Colo (large club) and Glossodia (small club) were named as winners of the march past while Ashley Van Den Berg was awarded the Paine Family Trophy.
Teagan Ryan was acknowledged for her state team selection while a presentation was also made to Hawkesbury’s state league team.
The annual club service award went to Poppets.
Hawkesbury netball will take another break this weekend due to Anzac Day. Round three will be held on May 2.